Body Language

You can tell a lot about a person by their handshake. The double handshake, (where the person places their second hand on top of yours), is likely to be used by ...

• Someone who tends to dominate in meetings

• Someone who is submissive

• Someone who trusts you and wants you to trust them

Eye contact is an important part of communication, and a lack of it can imply deception. To avoid staring at somebody, how can you naturally strike a balance?

• When breaking eye contact, look to the left or the right

• Look down at the floor every 30 seconds or so

• Look just past the person whose gaze you can no longer hold

It’s said that a genuine smile is almost impossible to produce on command. But what gives away a fake one?

• The smile begins slowly and spreads across the rest of the face

• There is a lack of crinkles around the eyes

• The person's eyes close slightly

When you stand up to talk in front of a group of people, what can you do to exude confidence?

• Strike a wide stance

• Try to position a desk or table between you and your audience

• Clasp your hands in front of you

Which of these signals suggest the person you are speaking to might not be telling the whole truth?

• They make steady eye contact

• They make frequent hand to face touches, including attempts to cover their mouth

• They answer you fairly promptly

You need to ask some tough questions about your team’s performance, and you notice that your team leader’s leg is shaking. Does that suggest:

• He’s feeling bored by the conversation

• He’s feeling jittery about your line of questioning

• He is exuding confidence

While addressing a senior member of your team about staffing changes, she suddenly crosses her arms. Do you take that to mean:

• She suddenly feels cold

• She's not sure what to do with her hands.

• She is feeling defenceless, and is trying to shut out what is being proposed

Leaders tend to use their tone of voice and expansive body movements to create a sense of authority. What should they do with their hands to emphasise this effect?

• Keep their palms facing down

• Make wild, expansive hand gestures while speaking

• Keep their hands in their pockets

People could be paying attention to your body language before an event. To create a good impression, should you

• Sit and fiddle with your phone

• Sit staring vacantly ahead

• Swap your smartphone for a newspaper

Using your hands while you talk can communicate a range of meanings, from enthusiasm and passion, to a lack of control. What would calm, rounded hand gestures say to you?

• “I’m open and clear”

• “I think I’m in trouble”

• “I’m feeling over the moon”